THE PRESIDENT: Today, George Tenet, the director of the CIA,
submitted a letter of resignation. I met with George last night in the
White House. I had a good visit with him. He told me was resigning
for personal reasons. I told him I'm sorry he's leaving. He's done a
superb job on behalf of the American people. I accepted his letter.
He will serve at the CIA as the director until mid July, at which time
the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency, John
McLaughlin, will serve as the acting director.

George Tenet is the -- is the kind of public service you like --
servant you like to work with. He's strong. He's resolute. He served
his nation as the director for seven years. He has been a strong and
able leader at the agency. He's been a -- he's been a strong leader in
the war on terror. And I will miss him. I send my blessings to George
and his family. I look forward to working with him until the time he
leaves the agency. And I wish him all the very best.